Community invited to learn about possible controlled blasting

16 August 2011

The community is invited to attend community information sessions to learn more about the possibility of extra controlled blasting being carried out as part of the Sapphire to Woolgoolga Pacific Highway upgrade.

“Controlled blasting is carried out to break up very hard rock which can’t be broken using traditional machinery,” an Roads and Maritime Services a Roads and Traffic Authority spokesperson said.

“The project team may need to perform additional controlled blasting north of Campbell Close at Sapphire Beach and at Graham Drive South at Sandy Beach.

“Investigations are now being carried out to see if the extra blasting is necessary.

“The controlled blasts would then be carried out at a time which is most convenient to the local community. Controlled blasting would take around 15 minutes each time.

“The controlled blasts must comply with the project’s planning approval conditions and the noise expected would be minimal and only last for a few seconds. The vibration would not be expected to be felt beyond the immediate vicinity of the controlled blasts.

“Monitoring would be carried out to record noise and vibration levels for each controlled blast. Blasts would be carefully managed by the project team.

“Safety and protecting the community’s property are paramount during controlled blasting activities and the project team will engage contractors who are very experienced in carrying out safe controlled blasting,” the spokesperson said.

Two information sessions about the possible need for extra controlled blasting will be held at the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade training room, Emerald Beach site compound, Emerald Beach (access via Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach) on:

Wednesday 17 August6pm to 8pm

Saturday 20 August9am to 11am

For more information about the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade call the toll-free information line on 1800 63 63 63 or visit the Roads and Traffic Authority’s Pacific Highway upgrade website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/pacific.

The Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade is jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments.